Tacloban City-In a significant step toward peace and reconciliation in Eastern Visayas, three former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to military authorities in Brgy. Canvais, Motiong, Samar, on December 11, 2024. The surrender occurred at 9:00 AM and was facilitated by Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team of 87th Infantry Battalion, as part of the continuing efforts to promote local peace and security in the region.
The three siblings—Joylyn B. Labong alias “Tana”, a former member of the Medical Squad 3 of the Bigo Platoon, RGU, under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), Joan B. Labong alias “Yanjie”, a former Finance Officer of the same platoon, and Jesalyn B. Labong alias “Kim”, a former member of the Bigo Platoon—voluntarily surrendered to authorities. The siblings had been on “lie-low” status for years after their departure from the NPA.
The surrender of the Labong sisters is part of the continuing local peace engagement efforts initiated by the 801st Infantry Brigade, and executed on the ground by the 87th Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Francis T. Rugayan. The local government of Motiong, headed by Municipal Mayor Hon. Renato T. Cabael and Brgy. Canvais Chairperson, played a key role in ensuring a peaceful environment for the surrenderees and their families.
The surrender is also aligned with the 87IB’s “Hingyap Yana nga Pasko” program, which encourages remaining NPA members to return to their families and to the fold of the law. This program, which runs in line with national government efforts, aims to help former insurgents reintegrate into society, live peacefully, and contribute to the development of their communities.
In a statement, Mayor Cabael expressed his support for the peace efforts, calling on others still involved in the insurgency to follow the Labong sisters’ example and return to a peaceful life. This surrender marks another milestone in the ongoing operations to end insurgency in Samar and promote lasting peace in the region.